WHAT IS MERCHANT NAVY

A merchant navy or merchant marine of any country is the fleet of merchant ships that are registered in that country. On merchant ships, Seafarers of various ranks are required to be trained and certified following the rules laid by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW).

WHY IS IT CALLED MERCHANT NAVY?

Merchant Marine ships of UK took part in the First world war and supported their Naval fleet and King George V bestowed the title of the “Merchant Navy” on the British merchant shipping fleets following their service in the First World War; since then a number of other nations have also adopted use of that title or the similar “Merchant Marine.”

MERCHANT NAVY IN INDIA

The first Indian owned vessel S.S. “Loyalty” sailed out of Bombay Harbour on 5th April 1919 for London. The vessel was owned by M/s. Scindia Steam Navigation Co. The Master and the other officers were British. Subsequently a resolution was moved by Sir P. S. Sivaswamy Iyer in the Indian legislative assembly. British ship R.I.M.S Dufferin was acquired by the Department of Commerce and converted into a training ship. On December 1927, the first batch of 50 nautical cadets joined the I.M.M.T.S. DUFFERIN.In 1935, training of engineering cadets was also commenced on the Dufferin. The number of cadets admitted each year was 25 nautical and 25 engineering cadets.

Today, India ranks 15th in the world in terms of total DWT (Dead Weight Tonnage). India currently supplies around 12.8% of officers and around 14.5% of ratings to the world seafaring community. This is one of the highest of any country. (Source: Wikipedia)

HOW TO BECOME MERCHANT NAVY EMPLOYEE IN INDIA?

The training of all the Indian Merchant Navy personnel is the responsibility of the Government of India, who work through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Directorate general of shipping India, is the governing body that regulates the complete maritime affairs in India. Directorate general of shipping (DG or DGS) shall be responsible for promotion of maritime education and training in co-ordination with the International Maritime Organisation.

Any type of merchant mariner education and training is currently regulated by DG shipping, hence, any candidate willing to take up career in maritime industry shall always ensure the Institute is an approved one by Directorate general of shipping.

WHAT ARE THE STREAMS AVAILABLE TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY?

Shipboard jobs are mainly divided into 3 main departments. They are Deck Department, Engineering Department, Housekeeping & Hotel operations department. Housekeeping & Hotel operations department is distinctively used in passenger ship; in most of the cargo ships this department is very small consisting of 2-3 employees as, modern days’ ships operate with a total crew of 15-30.

In every department with respect to Educational & Training qualification one can either choose to join in an Officer rank or a Rating rank. Officers are the ones with higher educational qualification and training as mandated by DGS and shall hold a valid license that is issued by the DGS India after successful completion of training and exams. Ratings (Supporting crew) positions also need DGS approved training which are of lesser duration and comparatively of simple nature when compared to an officer level training and education.

DECK DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LICENSED DECK OFFICERS?

Main responsibilities of deck officers:

Navigate the ship through the oceans

Voyage planning

Safe Loading & Unloading of cargo

Implementation of safety & security procedures

Communications between ship & shore

The role of a Deck Officer is vital on board a merchant vessel. As the highest ranking Deck Officer, the Chief Officer – also known as the First Officer – will have the ultimate responsibility for the handling of cargo and the efficient running of the ship. With the assistance of lower ranking Deck Officers, all of whom have to be certified by DGS on completion of the required sea time, this team keeps the ship and its crew safe, secure and in business. Ship captain /Master (who rises from the lower rank in the Deck department) acts as the head of the deck department.

I THINK I FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF DECK OFFICER HOW DO I JOIN AS A DECK OFFICER?

To be a licensed deck officer, one has to start as a Deck cadet and can rise up to the highest level as Ship Captain / Master.

DECK RATINGS (DECK DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS)

Deck ratings do not require any license to work on board, however, any crew to work on specific roles on ship shall complete courses mandated by DGS and possess all required certificates & paper work which varies depending on the position served.

To join as a Deck rating one may require minimum qualification of 10th standard pass with DG approved deck rating courses and safety courses.

Merchant Navy can be described as commercial fleet of non-combatant ships which deals with transportation of passengers, cargo and lots of other things by sea that may not be possible to dispatch either by road, rail or air, between countries. Merchant Navy fleet may include Passenger ships, Tanker ships, cargo ships, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships, container ships, barge carrying ships including roll on/roll off ships. India, being a fast developing country with growing economy, has one of the largest merchant shipping fleet and potential job opportunities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED DECK OFFICER & A DECK RATING?

Well, as the name implies one, as a licensed deck officer will serve on the ship in officer position and rise up to the level as a captain of the ship. Officers responsibility on the ship will include but not limited to, Navigating the ship, Cargo operations, Berthing/Un-berthing the ship, Safety equipment etc.

Ratings will join the ship as assisting crew reporting to the officers and assisting them in the above said responsibilities. Their daily jobs include Chipping, Painting, Housekeeping of the deck areas, maintenance of deck machinery, assistance in cargo operation etc. One may join as deck rating and rise up to the level as deck officer and subsequently as the ship master / Captain.

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT?

Right from the beginning until 18th century (when the first steam boat was invented) ships were propelled using various traditional power like winds force, waves, paddles etc. After the invention of steam powered boats, the ship propulsion technology evolved continuously which required the ship to be manned by the engineers.

Modern days ships are propelled by engines of various types and require various auxiliary machines to support the propulsion machinery. Engineering department in ship takes care of complete technical operation of the ship.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENGINEERING OFFICERS?

Main responsibilities of engineering officers:

Running and maintenance of propulsion engines & Auxiliary machines

Running and maintenance of Diesel generators for power production

Electrical power distribution & maintenance

Various hotel equipment such as water production & distribution, Potable water (Hot & cold), Air conditioning, Sewage plants, galley equipment etc.

Cargo handling equipment

Communication equipment

Engineering department is commanded by The Chief engineer who is assisted by assistant engineers and Engine ratings. The role of an engineering officer is vital on board a merchant vessel. As the highest ranking Engineering Officer, the Chief Engineer will have the ultimate responsibility for the handling of complete technical aspects of the ship and the efficient running of the ship. With the assistance of lower ranking engineers, all of whom have to be certified by DGS (on completion of the required sea time), this team keeps the ship and its crew safe, secure and in business. Ship Chief Engineer who rises from the level as an engine cadet, is the head of the Engineering department.

I THINK I FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF AN ENGINEERING OFFICER HOW DO I JOIN AS AN ENGINEERING OFFICER?

To be a licensed Engineering Officer, one has to start as an Engine cadet and can rise up to the level as Chief Engineer.

ENGINE RATINGS (ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS)

Engine ratings do not require any license to work on board, however, any crew to work on specific roles in a ship shall complete courses mandated by DGS and possess all required certificates & paper work which varies depending on the position served.

To join as an Engine rating one may require minimum qualification of 10th standard pass with DG approved engine rating courses and safety courses.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED ENGINE OFFICER & AN ENGINE RATING?

Well, as the name implies one, as a licensed engineering officer will serve on the ship in officer position and rise up to the level as a chief engineer of the ship. Officers responsibility on the ship will include but not limited to, Running and maintenance of ships machinery, Cargo equipment maintenance, Communications system, Power production & Distribution etc. Ratings will join the ship as assisting crew reporting to the officers and assisting them in the above said responsibilities. Their daily jobs include Watch keeping, Housekeeping of the engine room, Painting, maintenance of machinery etc. One may join as engine rating and rise up to the level as engineering officer and subsequently as the ship Chief engineer.

MASTER ELIGIBILITY CHECK

10TH STANDARD PASS

REQUIREMENT 1 – Your age is between 17.5 to 25 Yrs

REQUIREMENT 2- You Scored less than 40% aggregate in 10th.

You do not meet minimum qualification set by DGS to join any merchant navy courses. You can check with your 12th standard marks.

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1 – Your age is between 17.5 to 25 Yrs years on the date of joining

REQUIREMENT 2- Pass with aggregate marks of 40% in 10th Standard from a recognized Board with Science and Mathematics as subjects and with a minimum score of 40% in English language.

You are eligible to join the following courses

6 months’ pre-sea course for General Purpose Rating.

Course offered in the following colleges. (Please note: Below information is obtained from DG shipping website on 14-APR-16, the status of institutions may change any time hence we request you to confirm the same from DG shipping website. www.dgshipping.gov.in)

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is between 17.5 – 25 years on the date of joining

You are eligible to join the following courses

Orientation Course for catering personnel

Sl. No.

Institutes

City

01

Marine Education Training & Research Institute

24 Parganas

02

Cosmopolitan Technology of Merchant Navy

Chennai

03

Coimbatore Marine College

Coimbatore

04

HIMT College, Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram

05

Euro Tech Maritime Academy

Kochi

06

Centre for Maritime Education and Training

Lucknow

07

Training Ship Rahaman

Navi Mumbai

08

B P Marine

Navi Mumbai

09

Sriram Institute of Marine Studies,

New Delhi

10

Dr. B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology,

Port Blair

11

Marine Officers’ Training Academy

Puducherry

12

Marine Training Academy

Udvada Gujrat

13

Asha International Institute of Marine Technology

Varanasi

B.SC. IN PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY OR ELECTRONICS

REQUIREMENT 1: B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics with Physics as individual subject in one of the year

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored an average of not less than 55% in the final year.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following courses

One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science affiliated to Indian Maritime University.

S.No

Institutes

City

01

Indian Maritime University – Chennai Campus (NMA)

Chennai

02

International Maritime Academy

Chennai

03

Maritime Foundation

Chennai

04

Sai Ram Shipping Science College

Chennai

05

Southern Academy of Maritime Studies

Chennai

06

Indian Maritime University – Cochin Campus

Cochin

07

Haldia Institute of Marine Studies and Research

Haldia

08

Indian Maritime University – Kandla Campus

Kandla

09

Indian Maritime University – Kolkata Campus

Kolkata

10

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Training Institute

Lonavala

11

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Lonavala

12

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Training Institute

Lonavala

13

Indian Maritime University – Mumbai Campus-T.S. Chanakya

Mumbai

14

Maritime Training Institute (SCI)

Mumbai

15

MMTI’s Educational & Research Trust

Navi Mumbai

16

Training Ship Rahaman

Navi Mumbai

17

Yak Education Trust

Navi Mumbai

18

Applied Research International

New Delhi

19

Shriram institute of Maritime Studies

New Delhi

20

International Maritime Institute

Noida

21

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Govt. Polytechnic

Port Blair

22

Indian Maritime University – Karaikal Campus,

Puduchery

23

Tolani Maritime Institute

Pune

24

Vishwakarma Maritime Institute

Pune

25

Maritime Training Institute (SCI)

Tuticorin

26

Sailors Maritime Academy

Visakhpatnam

B.E./B. TECH. DEGREE

REQUIREMENT 1: B.E./B. Tech. Degree from I.I.T. or from a college recognized by AICTE.

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored an average of not less than 50% in the final year.

REQUIREMENT 3: Obtained 50% marks in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree course.

REQUIREMENT 4: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following courses

One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science affiliated to Indian Maritime University.

S.No

Institutes

City

01

Indian Maritime University – Chennai Campus (NMA)

Chennai

02

International Maritime Academy

Chennai

03

Maritime Foundation

Chennai

04

Sai Ram Shipping Science College

Chennai

05

Southern Academy of Maritime Studies

Chennai

06

Indian Maritime University – Cochin Campus

Cochin

07

Haldia Institute of Marine Studies and Research

Haldia

08

Indian Maritime University – Kandla Campus

Kandla

09

Indian Maritime University – Kolkata Campus

Kolkata

10

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Training Institute

Lonavala

11

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Lonavala

12

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Training Institute

Lonavala

13

Indian Maritime University – Mumbai Campus-T.S. Chanakya

Mumbai

14

Maritime Training Institute (SCI)

Mumbai

15

MMTI’s Educational & Research Trust

Navi Mumbai

16

Training Ship Rahaman

Navi Mumbai

17

Yak Education Trust

Navi Mumbai

18

Applied Research International

New Delhi

19

Shriram institute of Maritime Studies

New Delhi

20

International Maritime Institute

Noida

21

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Govt. Polytechnic

Port Blair

22

Indian Maritime University – Karaikal Campus,

Puduchery

23

Tolani Maritime Institute

Pune

24

Vishwakarma Maritime Institute

Pune

25

Maritime Training Institute (SCI)

Tuticorin

26

Sailors Maritime Academy

Visakhpatnam

ATS SCHEME 1ST YEAR PASSED

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 1st year of Alternative training scheme.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

1ST YEAR PASSED FROM MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 1st year of Mechanical / Electrical engineering from an AICTE approved institution with a minimum aggregate of 60%.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

COMPLETED 3 YEARS DIPLOMA COURSE

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 3-year diploma course in the following majors from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum of 55% in the last year of diploma.

3 years Diploma Course in Mechanical

3 years Diploma Course in Marine

3 years Diploma Course in Electrical

3 years Diploma Course in Electrical & Electronics

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

COMPLETED 4 YEARS DIPLOMA IN SHIP BUILDING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year diploma course in ship building from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of diploma.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

Sl No.

Institutes

City

01

Neotia Institute of Technology Management and Science

24 Parganas

02

C V Raman College of Engineering

Bhubhaneswar

03

AMET University

Chennai

04

GKM College of Engineering & Technology

Chennai

05

HIMT College, Kanchipuram

Chennai

06

Indian Maritime University (NMA)

Chennai

07

International Maritime Academy

Chennai

08

Southern Academy of Maritime Studies

Chennai

09

Sri Nandanam college of Engineering

Chennai

10

Vel’s University (School of Maritime Studies)

Chennai

11

Cochin University of Science & Technology (K M. School of Engg.)

Cochin

12

Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore

Coimbatore

13

Park Maritime Academy

Coimbatore

14

Noorul Islam College of Engineering

Kanyakumari

15

Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

Kilkarai

16

Euro Tech Maritime Academy

Kochi

17

Indian Maritime University – Kolkata Campus (MERI, [IIMS] Kolkata)

Kolkata

18

Seacom Marine College

Kolkata

19

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Lonavala

20

R.L. Institute of Nautical Science

Madurai

21

Mangalore Marine College

Mangalore

22

Indian Maritime University – Mumbai Campus (MERI)

Mumbai

23

International Maritime Institute Ltd.

Noida

24

Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training

Pune

25

Tolani Maritime Institute

Pune

26

Vishwakarma Maritime Institute

Pune

27

Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering

Sriperumbadur

28

PSN College of Engineering & Technology

Tirunelveli

29

U V Patel College of Engineering

Udvada Gujarat

30

Praveenya Institute of Marine Engg. & Maritime Studies

Visakhapatnam

COMPLETED 4 YEARS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING/NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year degree course in Mechanical Engineering / Naval Architecture from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of degree.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join 1-Year Marine Engineering Course for Graduates[GME]

Sl No.

Institutes

City

01

C V Raman College of Engineering

Bhubhaneswar

02

AMET University

Chennai

03

Chidambaram Institute of Maritime Technology

Chennai

04

G.K.M. Institute of Marine Science & Technology

Chennai

05

HIMT College, Kalpakkam

Chennai

06

Maritime Foundation

Chennai

07

Vel’s University (School of Maritime Studies

Chennai

08

Coimbatore Marine College

Coimbatore

09

Institute of Maritime Studies

Goa

10

Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy

Karjat

11

Cochin Shipyard Ltd.,kochi (METI)

Kochi

12

Indian Maritime University -Cochin Campus

Kochi

13

Garden Reach Ship Builders & Engineers Ltd.

Kolkata

14

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Lonavala

15

R.L. Institute Nautical Science

Madurai

16

Mangalore Marine College

Mangalore

17

Indian Maritime University – Mumbai Campus (MERI)

Mumbai

18

Training Ship Rahaman

Navi Mumbai

19

International Maritime Institute Ltd.

Noida

20

Maritime Training Institute

Powai Mumba

21

Great Eastern shipping company Training Institute

Pune

22

Viswakarma Institute of Technology

Pune

23

PSN College of Engineering & Technology

Trirunelveli

24

Praveenya Institute of Marine Engineering & Maritime Studies

Visakhapatnam

COMPLETED 4 YEARS MECHANICAL & AUTOMATION ENGINEERING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year degree course in Mechanical & Automation Engineering from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of degree.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 28 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

à On satisfying the above requirements you may join 1-Year Marine Engineering Course for Graduates[GME]

Author: Ram Govindasamy

Ram Govindasamy is a sailing marine engineer working for a leading cruise company. Ram founded Dieselship to create an online platform for Marine engineers worldwide to bond, share knowledge & Resources. He is a computer enthusiast who loves creating web based activities, web pages & programs. He is also authoring technical articles, videos for Dieselship as well as for various other maritime websites. Ram is interested in Maritime Law and Technical Operations and looks forward to meeting new people especially those who are interested in creating web based platforms, Assets maintenance & inventory programs and Planned Maintenance software etc